Alex Upton

Alex Upton serves as an Instructor of Jazz Education in the Department of Music within the College of Liberal Arts and Communication at Arkansas State University. A Memphis-based saxophonist, composer, and nationally awarded performer, Upton maintains an active dual career in artistic practice and music education across the southeastern United States.

His educational background includes:

• Master of Music in Jazz and Studio Music from the University of Memphis, where he served as part-time instructor and saxophone graduate assistant
• Bachelor of Music in Performance with Jazz Studies Focus from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, recipient of the full-ride Kenan Music Scholarship

Upton's professional focus centers on jazz pedagogy, performance innovation, and contemporary composition. His expertise spans traditional and modern jazz idioms, with emphasis on saxophone technique, ensemble direction, and improvisational frameworks. Notable artistic contributions include premiering Christian McBride's 'Cold Chicken Suite' at the 2023 North American Saxophone Alliance Conference and releasing the album 'Portraits of a Silent Moment' through Summit Records.

His accolades include:

• First Prize in the North American Saxophone Alliance's National Jazz Artist Competition (2022)
• Kenan Music Scholarship

As an educator, Upton has instructed Jazz Combo I/II and Jazz Improvisation II at the University of Memphis, while also serving on faculty for the John Coltrane Jazz Workshop and UNC Summer Jazz Workshop. His performance collaborations include work with Rahsaan Barber, Rachel Therrien, and Ted Ludwig, with appearances at venues including Crosstown Arts Green Room and Alfred's on Beale. He maintains a private studio and active recording career, regularly contributing to the jazz ecosystem through both artistic output and pedagogical development.